Portable and collapsible needlework frame

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a needlework frame which fits over the arm and rests on the lap of the user. The frame has a pair of spaced hoops over which the needlework material is draped and which are foldably secured to a pair of expandible horizontal frame members.

0 United States Patent [191 [111 3,881,266 Finebloom Ma 6 1975 PORTABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE [56] References Cited NEEDLEWORK FRAME UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] Inventor: Maureen Finebloom, Garnerville, 884,999 4/1908 Bragdon 38/102.4 N.Y 1,353,067 9/1920 Pasternak 38/1024 3,126,663 3/1964 T 38/102.4 [73] Assignee: Peska Associates lnc New York, few

a part Interest Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson [22] Filed: May 13, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 469,284 [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is a needlework frame which fits over the arm and rests on the lap of the user. The frame has a [52] US. Cl. 38/1024 pair of Spaced hoops Over which the needlework mate [51 3t. Cl. rial is draped and are Secured to a p Fleld of Search ll, f expandible horizontal frame members- 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHAY ems FIG. 2

FIG.5

FIG.4

PORTABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE NEEDLEWORK FRAME BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention is concerned with a portable, adjustable work-supporting frame which is adapted to rest on the lap of the user. The frame of the invention consists of 'parts which can be readily disconnected for storage in a small space when not used.

2. State of the Art The art to which this invention relates already is aware of the following US. Pat. Nos.: 1,342,396; 1,077,211; 2,283,367; 800,59l and 3,126,663. The structures described in the just listed patents do not suggest the concept of a work supporting frame of a size such as to rest on the lap of the user and consisting of semi-circular vertical hoops on telescoped horizontal members.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a device or article of this character which combines simplicity, strength and durability in a high degree, together with inexpensiveness of construction.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of application will be indicated in the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawing, in which is shown one of the various possible illustrative embodiments of this invention, wherein like reference character identify the same or like parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame embodying the features of the invention show in open or use position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of an impaling pins provided on the hoops;

FIG. 3 is a view of the same taken on line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows the frame folded and FIG. 5 is a view on VV of FIG. 1 showing frame locking means.

With reference to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a needlework supporting frame constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention and designated generally by reference, character 10.

Referring to FIG. 1 one example of a frame according to the concept of the invention has a pair of upstanding semi-circular hoops 12 and 14 secured at their lower extremities to the ends of horizontal members 16, 18, and 22. The horizontal members are slidably engaged to make the frame extensible. To this effect members 20 and 22 have external slides 21, 23 formed by their upper and lower edges and an elongated slot 24. Members 16 and 18 are slidably received in the slides 21 and 23, respectively. Mounted at the inner ends of members 16 and 18 are thumb screws 26 and 28 or other suitable locking means which lock the members after these have been slid the desired distance by exerting a clamping action on the assembled members.

As shown in FIG. 4, hoops 12 and 14 have their ends mounted within the horizontal members so as to be foldable therein for ready storage. To this end the hoops are pivoted to the members by wing nuts 28. The clamping action of these nuts generally will suffice to prevent the outward displacement of the hoops which movement might tend to rip the canvas or other needlework draped on the attaching or impaling pins 34 spaced on the top sides of the hoops. However, stops can be provided on the inside ends of the horizontal members to further restrict outward movement of the hoops.

In a practical embodiment of the invention, the hoops measured, 5 inches in diameter at the base and were 8 inches at the apex. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pins or teeth 34 are provided on the top of the hoops. Suitably, these are one-fourth inch high and are generally triangular in shape. The teeth 34 preferably are spaced by about 1 inch apart. The canvas or other needlework material is held on the teeth on two sides. Its remaining two edges can either be tucked inside the opened frame or allowed to hang loosely over the frame.

In closed position the frame of the invention can retract to 12 inches in length but will open to a fully expanded length of 22 inches. Both outer sides of elements l6 and 18 are graduated to allow accurate measurement and positioning of the work material.

The frame can be collapsed by releasing the corners 28 and folding both hoops down towards the center of the frame. The fasteners can be completely removed in order to detach the hoops.

The present frame can be constructed from molded plastic (clear or colored); lightweight steel or aluminum; bamboo or other wood or any combination of the foregoing.

As to compared to standard needlework frame, the frame of the invention has a number of significant advantages:

It is compact, portable and collapsible; it is lightweight and adjustable; it is less tiring to use for the hoop design fits over the arm and can be rested on the lap; in this way needlework can be done close to the body thereby eliminating the need to stretch far around the backof a standard frame. With the present frame, it is unnecessary to tape the edges of the work material. If properly secured to the teeth the canvas will not unravel.

The device has been thoroughly tested in actual use conditions and found completely successful for the accomplishment of the objects of the invention.

The operation and use of the invention hereinabove described will be evident to those skilled in the art to which it relates from a consideration of the foregoing.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

l. Needlework apparatus comprising, in combination, a frame adapted to rest on the lap of a user while said frame is in use, said frame including a pair of longitudinally adjustable horizontal members; a pair of semicircular hoops adapted to fit over the arms of the user; pivot means for securing said semi-circular hoops to and within said horizontal members whereby said semicircular hoops can be folded between said horizontal members, and needlework holding means on the outer periphery of said semi-circular hoops.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said members include a first section having a slide formed therein and toward the outer ends of said horizontal members. 

1. Needlework apparatus comprising, in combination, a frame adapted to rest on the lap of a user while said frame is in use, said frame including a pair of longitudinally adjustable horizontal members; a pair of semi-circular hoops adapted to fit over the arms of the user; pivot means for securing said semicircular hoops to and within said horizontal members whereby said semi-circular hoops can be folded between said horizontal members, and needlework holding means on the outer periphery of said semi-circular hoops.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said members include a first section having a slide formed therein and a longitudinal slot; and a second section received in said first section and clamping means in said second section passing through said slot for clamping said sections together.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said needlework holding means consist of a plurality of spaced pins.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said pins are generally triangularly shaped.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said pins open toward the outer ends of said horizontal members. 